Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brimfield, Massachusetts to State College, Pennsylvania

Have you ever embarked on a road trip and found yourself bored with the usual stops? If you are driving from Brimfield, Massachusetts to State College, Pennsylvania, there are plenty of undiscovered gems along the way that are worth checking out. This 7-hour journey takes you through five states, each with its unique landscapes, cultures, and histories. Here are five unexpected places to stop that will make your trip more fun and memorable.

Halfway Point: Greeley, PA

Before we dive into the five unexpected places to visit, it's worth mentioning the halfway point. Greeley, PA may not be as popular as other Pennsylvania towns such as Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, but it is an excellent place to pause and recharge. This peaceful town is home to the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and camping while enjoying breathtaking views of the Delaware River. After a day of fun, be sure to check out The Carriage House Restaurant, one of the best dining spots in Greeley. Here, you can indulge in juicy steak, fresh seafood, homemade pasta dishes, and delectable desserts.

Stop 1: Salisbury, Connecticut

Salisbury, Connecticut, is a town where nature, art, and history collide. This small town is situated at the end of the Appalachian Trail and next to the Taconic Mountains, making it a nature lover's haven. Spend the day strolling around Lakeville Lake and taking in the stunning views of the Berkshires. If you are a fan of architecture, visit the Salisbury Cannon Museum, which houses unique collections of Revolutionary War-era artifacts. And the best part is the lake's elegant Hamilton's Restaurant, which serves juicy burgers made with locally sourced ingredients.

Stop 2: Brooklyn, New York

A quick 2-hour drive south of Salisbury, you'll find yourself in Brooklyn, New York's most exciting and dynamic borough. This part of the city has a particular charm that you can't find anywhere else, from graffiti-covered alleyways to trendy rooftop bars. There's so much to do in Brooklyn that it can feel overwhelming, but some must-visit sites include the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, the Barclays Center, and the famous Grand Army Plaza. And for your burger fix, head over to the wildly popular Shake Shack, where you can indulge in the famous ShackBurger made with 100% Angus beef.

Stop 3: Hershey, Pennsylvania

Now that you've had your fill of city life, it's time to head to Hershey, Pennsylvania. This small town is known for its chocolate making, amusement park, and other tourist attractions. A visit to Hershey's Chocolate World should be on the top of your list, where you can see how chocolate is made, enjoy a chocolate tasting, and take the Chocolate Tour. There's also the Hershey Gardens, where you can stroll around breathtaking botanical gardens and the Hershey's Giant Center, a multi-purpose arena where you can catch a hockey game or concert. And for the best Hershey-themed burger, visit the Charlton Grill, which serves juicy burgers topped with Hershey's barbeque sauce.

Stop 4: Hagerstown, Maryland

About an hour away from Hershey, you'll find the historic city of Hagerstown, Maryland. This city is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Founded in 1762, Hagerstown is rich in history and cultural heritage. You can explore the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, which features masterpieces from various artists such as Picasso and Rembrandt. You can also take a stroll along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which stretches along the Potomac River for 184 miles. And don't forget to stop at Schmankerl Stube, a German-Mediterranean restaurant that serves the best schnitzels in town.

Stop 5: Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

Our last stop is Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, a charming town that is home to many bed-and-breakfasts, Victorian-era buildings, and spectacular mountain views. This town is only 20 minutes away from State College, our final destination, making it the perfect place to unwind before reaching your end goal. Take a stroll around Talleyrand Park, a scenic park located along Spring Creek, where you can have a family picnic or enjoy a relaxing afternoon onboard a pontoon rental. And at the end of the day, stop at the Stoney Point Bar and Grill, a cozy bar that serves up delicious buffalo chicken sandwiches and mac and cheese.

Conclusion

A road trip from Brimfield, Massachusetts, to State College, Pennsylvania, can be an adventure of a lifetime with the right stops. From the peaceful town of Greeley to the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the rich history of Hagerstown to the chocolate-making capital of Hershey, and the stunning nature of Salisbury to the serene charm of Bellefonte, there's something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and get ready for a memorable journey.